Mr. Stephen Cotchen
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
The last two years have been anything but easy, however despite the many curveballs the world has thrown Bishop Carroll’s way – Mr. Cotchen has approached every situation with an impressive amount of calmness and level-headedness. Mr. Cotchen is very approachable and it’s difficult to remember that he hasn’t always been a Husky. He has the ability to be both straightforward and diplomatic in order to get things done for our school. He has many great ideas for leading Bishop Carroll Catholic High School long into the future.
We are all fortunate to have him leading us and being part of the Bishop Carroll family. Thank you, Mr. Cotchen!
Mrs. Theresa Burba
Saint Nicholas Catholic School
Mrs. Burba’s career in Catholic Schools began in her childhood. She graduated from Northern Cambria Catholic School in 1975 shortly after St. Nicholas joined the NCCS consolidation. She taught for 30 years before becoming principal. She began her teaching career at St. John’s and then taught at Northern Cambria Catholic School. For many years she taught the 8th grade homeroom and middle school Social Studies. Mrs. Burba became the principal at what would become St. Nicholas Catholic School in 2013. She is the first lay principal, meaning she is the first principal who does not have a religious vocation. She works hard to keep our school running smoothly, helps the Student Council organize fun activities, plays the organ at school Masses, and answers all the questions parents, students, and teachers have. Mrs. Burba’s hobbies include spending time with her family, reading, crafting, gardening, and canning. We appreciate Mrs. Burba’s dedication to St. Nicholas Catholic School!
Here are some of the students’ and teachers’ thoughts and thanks for Mrs. Burba and all she does:
- "She's a good principal because she helps us whenever we need her." Abigail Luko, Kindergarten
- “Our principal helps a lot around the school. She is a very nice person and loves to help people.” Chloe Winings, 6thGrade
- “She is a good principal because she teaches us about God and how He lives. She also plays the organ in church for us to ” Joey Kirsch, 6thGrade
- “Mrs. Burba is caring, and she does a lot for us. She is amazing because she teaches us about God. She loves us and we love her!” Abby Brawley, 3rdGrade
- “Mrs. Burba is a wonderful principal and a great friend! She is always there to help students and teachers with anything she Her hard-work and dedication to our school are clear to everyone who comes to St. Nicholas Catholic School.” McMullen, 6thgrade teacher
- "Mrs. Burba is kind. She is always making sure everyone gets treated fairly." Emily Myslivy, 4thGrade
- " My principal, Mrs. Burba, is nice. She helps others when they need help, and she is kind all the time." Abram Dumm, 4thGrade
- “Mrs. Burba is fun. It was fun when she came in a drew a frog with us.” Noah Farabaugh, 1stGrade
- “Mrs. Burba is really nice because she helps us with school.” Cora McAdams, 2ndGrade
- “She is a good principal because she is very involved and loves every single kid in this school.” Hannah Strittmatter, 7thGrade
- “Mrs. Burba does fun activities throughout the school year. I also like that she does certain fundraisers for charities.” Madison Cramer, 7thGrade
- “Mrs. Burba is very smart and kind. Even though she cares about a good education, she always plans fun activities. I am happy she is our principal.” Reed Miller, 7thGrade
- “She is very understanding and generous. She is kind and very thoughtful.” Grace Blake, 7thGrade
- “If you need help Mrs. Burba will go out of her way to help.” Veronica Lessard, 8thGrade
- “Mrs. Burba is great because she is kind but strict at the same time. If no one would be willing to do something for us, she would step right in.” Brynn Miller, 5thGrade
- “I like Mrs. Burba because she is very nice and if you need something she will always help you.” Joel McCombie
- “ She helps me out. She is really nice. She is also the best principal.” Jordan Westrick, 5thGrade
- “She is a great principal. She helps everyone out. She is very nice and kind.” Chloe Jusko, 5thGrade
Mr. Jeff Maucieri
Saint Benedict Catholic School
“Mr. Maucieri’s commitment and dedication to Saint Benedict School is to be commended. His guidance and leadership have helped the school community continue to grow and be strong in faith, education, and community services.” Miss Bensor, First Grade Teacher
Mr. Jeffrey Maucieri is a native of Altoona, where he currently resides with his wife, Leanne. He has three children and three grandchildren. Mr. Maucieri began his teaching career as a music teacher in Florida. Some of his past assignments include teaching college classes at Penn State, Altoona, teaching at Altoona Central Catholic School, and principal at ACCS. Mr. Maucieri was welcomed as the principal of Saint Benedict School in the Fall of 2013.
A fourth grader, Reagan Bills, comments, “I like Mr. Maucieri because he is funny. He is a great principal! When someone does something wrong, he corrects them in a kind voice. He isn’t afraid to talk to kids; he loves kids! I don’t think he teaches for the money. I think he teaches to see all the kids and to help them learn.”
"Mr. Maucieri is the very definition of dedication and commitment to St Benedict School. I can't tell you the number of times I've personally seen him go above and beyond in the service to the students. The school wouldn't be what it is today without him." Mr. Steve Cunningham, parent
The Saint Benedict School community feels as Madeline Farabaugh does: “Thank you for being an intelligent and wonderful principal! Mr. Maucieri, you are a good role model to all of us!”
Mrs. Rhonda Seymour
Saint Michael School
Saint Michael School principal, Mrs. Rhonda Seymour, has over ten years of experience in Catholic education with this being her second year as principal of Saint Michael School. She has served the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown as a former principal at Holy Trinity Catholic School and as a teacher at Saint Patrick School in Newry. Mrs. Seymour utilizes her prior knowledge as well as her creativity to lead. She always exudes a positive attitude and wears a smile. Her positive energy and best effort contribute to the success of Saint Michael School.
When asked to describe Mrs. Seymour, our third, sixth and seventh grade students say she is kind, generous, helpful, smart, happy, fun, supportive, and understanding. Miss Steinbugl, our sixth-grade teacher, says, “Mrs. Seymour truly cares about Saint Mike’s and leads by example.” Mrs. Lechak, our seventh-grade teacher, says, “I am humbled to be part of her team. I always feel that she is on our side and works for the best interests of our students.” Our cafeteria manager, Becky Seymour says, “I’ve never met a person in her position that is so approachable, kind, and understanding.” Finally, our cafeteria assistant, Hannah Snyder says, “She treats you like part of the family.”
The faculty, staff, and students at Saint Michael School would like to thank our principal for her kindness, enthusiasm, and dedication to our school. Not only is Mrs. Seymour a fabulous person to work for, but she also serves as an excellent role model for the students. We would also like to thank her for all she does for the students, families, faculty, and staff. Mrs. Seymour goes above and beyond for Saint Michael School, and we are truly blessed to have her as our hardworking principal. We appreciate her very much!
Mrs. Robin McMullen
Holy Name School
Mrs. Robin McMullen has been principal of Holy Name School for the last 12 years, taking the position the same year that the school celebrated its 100th anniversary. Mrs. McMullen has been at Holy Name for 33 years, teaching both first and second grade during her time as a classroom teacher. Mrs. McMullen’s servant heart shows through all of her actions. Mrs. Alexa Kline, 7th grade teacher states, "Mrs. McMullen is a caring, and compassionate principal who is devoted to our students, staff, and school. She is a wonderful example of living out our Catholic faith."
Additionally, Mrs. Janice Noonan, a long-time staff member who has worked with Mrs. McMullen during her entire career at HN states, “Our principal, Mrs. Robin McMullen, always made the safety and well-being of our school family a priority. She has always been a step ahead on any of the school protocols that need to be in place for the students, faculty, and staff, whether it has been safe health issues or educational advancements. We thank Mrs. McMullen for all of her time, work, and dedication to our school.”
Samantha Papcunik, an eighth-grade student added, “Mrs. McMullen always puts students first. That is important.”
Mrs. Kathy Maurer
All Saints Catholic School
Mrs. Kathy Maurer is a very faith and family-oriented person. She has 3 children and 5 grandchildren. She is an active member of Holy Name parish in Ebensburg.
Mrs. Maurer’s love for Catholic education goes way back. She attended Saint Joseph’s in Portage for grade school and then Bishop Carroll for high school. Kathy continued her education at UPJ. She first taught at her alma mater Saint Joseph, but then taught in two other Diocesan schools; Altoona Central Catholic and Saint Michael in Loretto. During her time as a teacher, she taught multiple grade levels. Kathy is in her 10th year of principal here at All Saints Catholic School. Kathy is such a strong advocate for her students, whether she is in front of them as the teacher or behind the scenes as principal.
Some quotes from faculty/staff:
- “I love how Kathy lives out her faith daily and sets a good example for both the students and staff. She has a big heart, and her kindness shows through even when she has a million things on her plate.”
- “Kathy really understands the teachers' struggles in the classroom. She has no problem jumping in to sub for any grade in the school.”
- “My favorite thing about Kathy is how she puts so much of herself into our school, and how she makes all decisions with the students’ and staff’s best interest in mind. I love how she encourages the students’ growth in their faith as well as their academics!”
- “Kathy’s love of her Faith and Catholic education is apparent in the way she cares for the entire Student body and staff at All Saints Catholic School.”
- “Kathy has made me feel welcome and part of the team since day one. She always finds a way to put a smile on my face. I couldn’t be more thankful for having her as my boss.”
“Kathy is an amazing principal, coworker, and friend. She is so helpful in all things education, as well as life lessons!”
The faculty and staff would like to thank Kathy for everything she does for not only us, but ASCS as a whole. She really puts her heart into this school, and it shows. Her faith and other values are clearly visible in how she acts each and every day. We couldn’t pick a better fearless leader if we tried! We love you, Kathy!!